Why You’ll Love this Mexican-Style Taco Salad
Even if you think taco salads are just another Tex-Mex cliché, this Mexican-style taco salad manages to shake things up in the best way.
It’s the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and savory that hooks you from the first bite. Imagine crisp lettuce mingling with seasoned ground beef—not dry or boring, but juicy and flavorful.
Add kidney beans for a little extra heartiness, and don’t underestimate the magic of a tangy coleslaw dressing instead of the usual salsa or sour cream. Toss it all together, and the contrast with crushed taco chips on top? Pure genius.
It’s easy to make but feels like a meal you’d find at a cool taqueria. Who says salads can’t be fun and filling? This one proves them wrong.
What Ingredients are in Mexican-Style Taco Salad?
Alright, let’s talk ingredients for this Mexican-Style Taco Salad that’s anything but ordinary. It’s a hearty, colorful mix that keeps things interesting with textures and flavors playing off each other like a little fiesta in your bowl.
You’re going to need some basics, but each one has a role that makes the salad pop — from the crisp lettuce crunch to the cheesy, seasoned beef goodness. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before diving in:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 head of lettuce, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 3 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 (14 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed taco chips (Doritos work great here)
- 1 (35 g) package taco seasoning
- 0.5 (425 ml) bottle Kraft coleslaw dressing
Now, a few thoughts on these ingredients — the lettuce should be crisp and fresh because it’s the foundation of all that flavor and texture.
The ground beef isn’t just any beef; it’s seasoned with taco seasoning to bring that authentic punch. Kidney beans add a bit of “oomph” and make this salad filling enough for a meal without feeling heavy.
And don’t skip the coleslaw dressing; it’s a surprise twist that makes the whole thing creamy and tangy without the usual salsa or sour cream.
Finally, those crushed taco chips on top? They’re the crunchy crown jewel, turning every bite into a little crispy celebration.
How to Make this Mexican-Style Taco Salad
Alright, let’s plunge into making this Mexican-Style Taco Salad, which is basically a fiesta in a bowl. First up, you’ll need 1 pound of ground beef. Throw that into a skillet and scramble-fry it until it’s cooked through, with no pink left behind—because nobody wants a surprise in their taco salad.
Once it’s done, here’s a little trick: run the cooked beef under hot water in a sieve. Sounds weird, right? But trust me, it rinses off extra fat and keeps things from getting greasy. Drain it well, then set it aside to cool down a bit while you prep the rest.
Now, grab a big bowl and toss in 1 head of chopped lettuce, 2 diced tomatoes, and 3 finely sliced green onions. Don’t forget to add a can of kidney beans (14 ounces, drained and rinsed)—they add a nice hearty touch and some protein too.
Sprinkle in 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese for that gooey goodness, and keep the 2 cups of crushed taco chips (Doritos work best here) for the grand finale. Oh, and the magic seasoning: open up that 35-gram package of taco seasoning and mix it into the beef before adding everything to the bowl. The seasoning is what really brings those authentic Mexican flavors to life.
Here’s the final step, and it’s kind of the best part: pour in about half a bottle (425 ml bottle) of Kraft coleslaw dressing. Yes, coleslaw dressing! It sounds odd, but it’s creamy and tangy, and it coats the salad perfectly without drowning it.
Toss everything together so each bite is packed with flavor and crunch. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the crushed taco chips on top for that glorious crunch that makes every bite exciting.
It’s colorful, it’s fresh, and it’s a little messy—but hey, that’s what taco salads are all about. Perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, and honestly, it might just become your new go-to for taco night. For an even more authentic taste, consider using a Mexican kitchen cookware set to prepare and serve your ingredients.
Mexican-Style Taco Salad Substitutions and Variations
Once you get the hang of mixing up that perfect Mexican-Style Taco Salad, you might start wondering how to shake things up a bit without losing the magic.
Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or black beans if you want a lighter or vegetarian twist. Instead of cheddar, try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Ditch the coleslaw dressing for a creamy avocado-lime dressing to freshen things up.
Crushed Doritos are great, but crushed tortilla strips or even crunchy roasted chickpeas add a fun crunch. Feel free to toss in corn, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro for extra zing.
Honestly, this salad’s a blank canvas—don’t hesitate to experiment. Just remember, balance is key: creamy, crunchy, spicy, and fresh all playing together.
Who says taco salad can’t keep surprising you?
What to Serve with Mexican-Style Taco Salad
Three sides or dips can really level up your Mexican-Style Taco Salad game, turning a simple meal into a fiesta on your plate.
Think creamy guacamole—smooth, zesty, and perfect for scooping up with those crunchy taco chips. Salsa’s a no-brainer too; fresh pico de gallo adds brightness, while a smoky chipotle salsa brings a little kick.
Don’t forget black beans or Mexican street corn for some hearty, flavorful sides—both add texture and keep things interesting.
And hey, if you want to play it safe, a simple side of warm flour tortillas lets everyone build their own taco salad wraps.
These options don’t just complement the salad; they elevate the whole experience, making every bite a little celebration, no matter how hungry you are.
Final Thoughts
While it might seem like just another salad at first glance, Mexican-Style Taco Salad brings a surprising mix of textures and flavors that can turn any mealtime into a mini celebration.
It’s crunchy, creamy, tangy, and a little spicy—all at once. Tossing the warm, seasoned beef with crisp lettuce, beans, and that unexpected zing from coleslaw dressing? Genius move.
Don’t underestimate the crushed Doritos on top—they add that perfect salty crunch that makes you want to plunge into it again and again.
It’s quick, satisfying, and honestly, a bit addictive. If you’re looking for a no-fuss dish that packs a punch without turning dinner into a project, this salad’s your go-to.
Who knew salad could be this fun and flavorful? Give it a shot—you won’t regret it.
